Content available at: Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
A new biosecure floor-rearing model for meat ducks announced by the Quang Tri Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, coupled with a product consumption linkage system, can boost profit by 1.5 times.
In addition to delivering outstanding economic efficiency compared to traditional rearing methods, this model also promotes sustainable duck farming, critical in light of climate change and higher disease risks.
The new method was piloted in three localities: Hai Hung Commune (Hai Lang District), Trieu Co Commune (Trieu Phong District), and Gio Hai Commune (Gio Linh District), using 1000 imported Grimaud ducks from France at each site.
Grimaud is a meat duck breed developed by the Grimaud Group (France).
These ducks are known for their rapid growth rate, short rearing period, strong adaptability to tropical climates, and high meat yield, making them ideal for industrial and semi-industrial farming in Vietnam.
Innovative raising technique
A breakthrough feature of the model lies in the shift in rearing method:
- Instead of traditional pond or free-range farming, the ducks are raised on elevated slatted flooring systems (40–50 cm above ground).
- The flooring is designed with slats 1–1.5 cm apart, allowing waste to fall through. The sloped surface underneath facilitates easy collection and cleaning, ensuring better hygiene and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.
After 1.5 months of rearing, the ducks reached an average weight of 3.2kg per bird, with a survival rate of up to 95.7%.
At a selling price of approximately USD 1.68/kg, each pilot site earned around USD 748 in profit after expenses—1.5 times higher than traditional methods.
Sustainability and broader impact
Beyond economic gains, the model brings several benefits:
- Shortened rearing cycle, faster flock turnover: Farmers can raise 4–5 batches per year, increasing output and improving cash flow.
- Reduced environmental impact: Waste and wastewater are centrally collected, minimizing soil, water, and air pollution—common issues in traditional pond-based models.
- Lower disease risk and veterinary costs: Floor-rearing protects ducks from environmental pathogens, reducing antibiotic use and improving the quality of duck meat—an advantage aligned with current clean and safe food consumption trends.
This biosecure floor-rearing model is not only a technical advancement—it is a step toward modern, circular, and sustainable agriculture.
It gives small-scale farmers the opportunity to adopt professional practices, strengthen competitiveness and enhance food safety for both domestic and export markets.